2 Days in Venice Itinerary

Early St Mark's Square

Arrive at Piazza San Marco before the crowds descend. Watch the light on the basilica's golden mosaics, photograph the campanile without hundreds of heads in shot, and feel the magic of this remarkable space. Grab espresso at Caffe Florian (the world's oldest cafe, open since 1720) or save money at a bar one street back.

St Mark's Basilica

Enter this Byzantine masterpiece covered in 8,000 square metres of gold mosaics. The Pala d'Oro altarpiece contains 250 enamels and nearly 2,000 gems. Skip the free queue by booking online or joining the short paid express line.

Doge's Palace

This Gothic palace was the centre of Venetian power for 700 years. Cross the Bridge of Sighs, see the enormous Great Council Chamber, and imagine the intrigue in these ornate rooms. The Secret Itineraries tour reveals hidden passages and the real prison.

Bacaro Lunch Crawl

Venice's bacari are tiny bars serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine by the glass. Start at All'Arco near Rialto, try Cantina Do Mori (oldest in Venice), and end at Cantina Do Spade. Point at what looks good, order un'ombra (glass of wine), and eat standing.

Rialto Bridge & Market

Cross Venice's most famous bridge, crowded but magnificent. Below on the San Polo side, the morning market sells fish, fruit, and vegetables in buildings dating to 1097. Even in afternoon, the area buzzes with local life.

Get Intentionally Lost

From Rialto, head into the San Polo and Dorsoduro neighbourhoods with no map. Follow promising alleyways, cross random bridges, discover hidden squares (campi). This is how you find the real Venice - a beautiful church, a local bakery, kids playing football against ancient walls.

Gondola Ride

Yes, it's expensive and touristy. Yes, it's absolutely worth it. The official rate is £80 for 30 minutes (40 at night). Start from a quiet spot like near the Peggy Guggenheim to avoid waiting. Late afternoon light is beautiful; after dark is magical.

Aperitivo at Campo Santa Margherita

This lively square in Dorsoduro is where students and locals gather at sunset. Bars like Il Caffe and Margaret Duchamp spill onto the campo. It feels genuinely Venetian rather than tourist-oriented.

Dinner at Osteria Alla Bifora

Traditional Venetian cuisine at reasonable prices for this city. Try sarde in saor (sweet-sour sardines), bigoli in salsa (thick pasta with anchovy sauce), or fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions - better than it sounds). Reservation recommended.

Vaporetto to Murano

Take line 4.1 or 4.2 from Fondamente Nove to Murano (45 minutes). This island has been Venice's glass-making centre since 1291, when furnaces were moved here to prevent city fires. Watch master glassblowers create intricate pieces.

Burano Island

Continue on line 12 to Burano (30 minutes), the most photogenic island with its neon-bright painted houses. Legend says fishermen painted houses bright colours to find home in fog. Wander the canals, photograph every corner, and buy handmade lace.

Lunch on Burano

Eat seafood at Trattoria al Gatto Nero (book ahead for waterside tables) or grab simpler fare at Da Romano. The risotto de gò (goby fish) is a Burano speciality - utterly delicious.

Return via Torcello (Optional)

The oldest settled island has a Byzantine cathedral with stunning mosaics and only 14 residents. Very peaceful, very atmospheric. Or head directly back to Venice if time is short.

Explore Cannaregio

Back in Venice, explore the city's northernmost neighbourhood. The Jewish Ghetto (the original ghetto, from 1516) has meaningful history. Quieter canals and authentic local bars reward wandering.

Sunset from Fondamente Nove

This northern waterfront offers views across the lagoon to the cemetery island of San Michele and the distant mountains. Less famous than other viewpoints, it's peaceful and local.

Final Venetian Dinner

For a special final meal, try Antiche Carampane in San Polo - exceptional seafood, no tourist menus, local clientele. Book well ahead. For something simpler, Paradiso Perduto in Cannaregio has live jazz and good pasta.

Night Walk Through Venice

After dinner, walk back through Venice at night. The city transforms - empty alleys, illuminated palaces reflected in dark canals, the occasional footstep echoing. This is the Venice that has inspired artists for centuries.